Belgium

 

- Word for volunteering : Volontariat.

- Words for associations: A.S.B.L., association sans but lucratif (non profit organisations).

 

The terms "bénévolat" and "volontariat" have been used as synonyms for a long time in Belgium. However, in 2005 the law about volunteering established a distinction between the two notions:

1. "volontariat" is used for an activity defined by the law;
2. "bénévolat" is used for all other non-remunerated activities.

For more information see the report of the European Commission about volunteering in Belgium.

 

 Association pour le volontariat

 

Founded in 1974, the Association for volunteering is an independent, non-profit organisation.

Its functions are:

- developing and promoting all kinds of voluntary activities;

- supporting and training volunteers;

- coordinating the actions of Belgian voluntary organisations.

The Association for volunteering is an interface between volunteers and non-profit organisations, also thanks to its regional centres (Liège, Namur, Charleroi, Mons, Ottignies, Braine l'Alleud.).

 

Association pour le Volontariat

rue Royale 11

B- 1000 Bruxelles

Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 53 70

Fax: +32 (0)2 219 32 48

E-mail: volontariat@skynet.be

Web site : http://www.volontariat.be

 

Trans-Mission

 

Trans-Mission was founded in 1992 to inform about volunteering in Belgium and abroad.

 

Trans-Mission

avenue Général Médecin Derache, 50

B-1050 Bruxelles.

E-mail: info@t-mission.org

Tel. : +32 487 478 301

Web site : http://www.t-mission.org

http://www.flash2006.be

  

Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk vzw

 

The Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk vzw (formerly known as the 'Platform voor Voluntariaat') is the Flemish Centre for voluntary work. The organisation is open to all volunteer organisations, whatever their field of activity (welfare, education, health, the environment or sport). It forms a bridge between volunteers and organisations employing volunteers, and forms a bridge between organisations and policy-makers. The aims of Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk vzw are: to obtain favourable regulations for volunteers from the Belgian government to make voluntary work possible for everyone; to increase public awareness about voluntary work. Its functions are:

- to answer questions from volunteers;

- to give advice to organisations;

- to supply information about the rights and obligations of volunteers and organisations;

- to respond to demands to give lectures on voluntary action to organisations.

 

Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk vzw

Marie-Josélaan, 73

B- 2600 Berchem

Tél.: +32 (0)3 218 59 01

Fax: +(32) (0)3 218 45 23

E-mail : info@vsvw.be

Web site: http://www.vrijwilligerswerk.be

 

Het Punt Brussels Volunteer Centre

 

Het Punt is a non profit organisation which was founded in 2001. It is supported by the Commission of the Flemish Community of Brussels and by the Ministry of the Flemish Community. Het Punt supports the Dutch speaking organisations in the Brussels area in their quest for volunteers. Potential volunteers can contact Het Punt and ask for information about volunteer opportunities. Het Punt also organises information sessions about issues related to volunteer work such as insurance, volunteer management etc.

 

Het Punt Brussels Volunteer Centre

Treurenberg 24

1000 Brussels

Tel: +32 2 218 5516

Fax: +32 2 218 7716

E-mail: hetpunt@busmail.net

Web site: http://hetpunt.vgc.be

 

The King Baudouin Foundation (Fondation Roi Baudoin )

 

The King Baudouin Foundation is a pluralistic public benefit foundation. In existence for 25 years, it was established to improve living conditions for the population. Civic commitment is a theme central to the projects of the King Baudouin Foundation. The foundation obviously supports voluntary service, and in this spirit recent campaigns were conducted to encourage the voluntary sector to acquire new skills in information technology, in management as well as in accountancy and financial management. The King Baudouin Foundation has also initiated research on the status of voluntary work in Belgium, the results of which are downloadable for free from the internet website.

 

Fondation Roi Baudoin

Rue Brederode 21

B-1000 Bruxelles.

E-mail: info@kbs-frb.be

Tel. : +32 2 511 18 40

Fax: +32 2 511 52 21

E-mail: info@kbs-frb.be

Web site : http://www.kbs-frb.be